Page 164 of Steel

“With my life.”

“Good. Close your eyes.”

I didn’t hesitate to close my eyes, even though I was nervous as hell. He covered them with a hand and led us into the space. It smelled amazing, and my mouth was already watering for whatever was on the menu.

“You know how much I love you?” Kerrion asked lowly in my ear.

“Yes.”

“You know how much I love our little family?”

I sniffled. “Yes.”

“I made you a promise a long time ago, and I want to make good on that.”

He removed his hands from my eyes, and when they opened, I gasped at the sight of our family seated at the tables before us. Everyone was dressed in all white. Huge bouquets of red roses adorned the table while the petals littered the floor. The space was dimly lit with candles, creating a warm atmosphere.

“When did . . . how did . . . Kerrion!”

I spun around to look at him, only to find him on one knee with a beautiful emerald-cut diamond ring in his hand.

“Kerrion,” I whispered.

He reached for my hand, and I placed a trembling palm into his.

“Neha, I’ve loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you all those years ago on campus. We shared something that I didn’t know would last a lifetime. Even as a young man, I knew I wanted forever with you then. Life, . . . it got away from us. We both made some mistakes and decisions we can’t change, but we’ve come such a long way this past year.

“We’ve learned to communicate, respect, love, and trust each other all over again. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but we’re here. Our children are here, and the life we created will be here soon. I don’t want to spend another day without the promise of forever with you and those babies. Here me when I say I will always put the four of you first. I will always honor, respect, love, and protect you. And I will always,always, make it home to you.

“I love you. Through everything we’ve been through, I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you and our children.”

He choked up for a moment as tears slipped down his face. I reached out and swiped them away. He took a deep breath as he continued.

“Will you do me the honor of finally becoming my wife?”

I nodded. “Yes. I love you so much. Yes.”

He slipped the ring on my finger. As he stood to his feet, our family and the staff erupted with cheers and applause. Kerrion pulled me into his arms and kissed me. This time, KJ wasn’t there to mush him, and he took full advantage of the moment. The man forgot all about our kids and family being there as he grabbed a handful of my ass while tonguing me down.

“That’s how y’all got that one!” Smoke yelled.

“I know you ain’t talking,” Deuce shot at him. “Ol’ I’m competing with my daddy for the most kids head ass nigga.”

“At least all my kids are by one woman.”

“I didn’t even say shit!” Senior exclaimed. “How am I catching a stray? Don’t make me take off my belt.”

Smoke laughed. “How you mad at me for telling the truth?”

They started going back and forth like they always did.

Kerrion shook his head. “Can’t take these niggas nowhere. Even out the country, they gotta show their ass. You ready to be a part of this forever?”

I giggled as I wrapped my arms around his neck. “There is nowhere I’d rather be.”

The End